Fire pits, fire bans and fireside friends

Share a fire pit, tell a story and make new friends!

Essential knowledge about campfires and fire bans in Barrington Tops

A campfire is often an essential feature of a camping holiday: teaching your kids about safe use of fire and the potential dangers too; turning your first marshmallow to cinders; telling your first campfire story. But be responsible too: only make small contained fires in designated fire pits. And be prepared to put them out in a hurry if needed.

Sharing a campfire will link you to thousands of years of human tradition. However if you’d like your own private fire for cooking and storytelling, each campzone has several existing fire scars (small fire pits previously dug) so there should be enough to choose from.

If you can’t locate a suitable fire scar in your campzone, then ask one of our staff about creating a new one in a suitable place. Please don’t create a new one without permission, and never use river stones around the fire, as they are likely to explode from trapped steam. ​Whether you share a fire or not, please ensure you bring your own firewood or pre-order a delivery from us. Collecting wood onsite or from neighbouring private properties is forbidden.

Campfire Policy at The Steps of Girrba Campground

Where – Pits and pitfalls• Each campzone at The Steps has several existing fire scars (small fire pits previously dug). Use these fire pits only, do not create new ones without permission from our staff. Ensure you orientate your tent and outdoor spaces accordingly. • If you are sharing a campzone with others then you may also be sharing the fire pit. Go on, make some new friends!• If you have a large group and would like a larger fire, then ensure you hire the appropriate campsite (#1 or #3) with a larger bonfire pit.• Do not use rocks or stones to enclose fire pits as they are a trip hazard to people and can damage vehicles and mowers. River stones are also likely to shatter when heated, due to water trapped in porous stones.

When – Know the fire ban rules• During your stay at The Steps, you are responsible for knowing the fire danger rating on each day and whether a fire ban is in effect. Check out the RFS website and remember that Gloucester Shire is within North Coast Fire Area 2. • Fire ban rules are often misunderstood, so check out the truth on the official summary from the NSW Rural Fire Service.• Please ensure your campfire is fully extinguished before checking out from The Steps.

With what – Wood supplies• Collecting wood onsite or from neighbouring private properties is forbidden. • We sell 20kg bags of ready-to-burn firewood for $15 per bag plus $5 bag deposit. Pick-up is from our Gloucester office. In peak times, bags will also be available onsite from staff. ​• To get your $5 refund on the reusable firewood bag, simply return the empty bag to a staff member onsite or to our Gloucester office. • No bag, no refund. Empty bags left behind will benefit enterprising kids who see the opportunity for quick pocket money! • If you have a large group we can arrange bulk delivery to your site ($150 for a cubic metre).• You are always welcome to bring your own firewood. Supplies are often sold at petrol stations in Gloucester and Barrington but these may sell out quickly in peak periods.

Why – Our philosophy• Be considerate of the environment. Fallen timber provides valuable habitat for wildlife and is not to be scavenged from the property nor the neighbouring properties. Do not remove dead wood from trees from the same reason, you may be stealing an animal’s home.• Be considerate of your neighbours at all times.• Burn responsibly. Only burn what you truly need for your cooking or comfort and extinguish it before going to bed at night. • Burn dry, well-seasoned wood (not damp or green wood). Burn bright to minimize smoke.• Be aware of wind direction for smoke drift, it can be much more annoying than cigarette smoke.